The SEAL

Black Hawke Security #1

by Juliette N. Banks

He’s sworn to protect, and never love again, but will she be the one to breach his walls?

My name is Josh Black, decorated SEAL and founder of Black Hawke Security. Some might call me arrogant. Women call me cold. Those who truly know me call me dangerous. I’m all those things. My priority is my elite team of former special ops who fulfill our contracts with governments and some of the most powerful people in the world. When a famous rockstar hires us to protect his daughter, it’s just another job. Until I meet Cassy Cartwright and her intense green eyes send a bolt of chemistry through me. She’s as infuriated as I am by it.

The last thing I want is private security intruding on my quiet, hard-fought-for life. Even if he is six foot four and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. Not interested. Josh is going to distract all the clients in my hair salon and… protect me from the stalker who is out of prison and looking for me again thanks to my rock star father's comeback hit. But that’s all I want from him.

Black Hawke Security is a steamy private security romance with spice and tons of suspense and action. If you love former military and special ops alphas who fall for sassy heroines, then you’ll love this series. Each book can be read as a standalone and has a happy ever after.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2024

About the author

Juliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.

If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!

Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.

Reviews

[Alexandra Da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what you think it would be but I still ate it the fuck up. Would read again just for how hot and bothered this man was literally for 100% of his POV

[Valeria Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and oh so predictable. Even the sex was boring.

[Reading With April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 It was a decent story, but the "I'm in love with you after a week of knowing you" is always cringe to me, so that threw me off. Also, when the "suspence" finally happened, it started & stopped in just a few pages & that was a letdown as I was wanting more. 🌶 was good, though, and Josh's mouth 🥵. Side note: Isaac was so unhinged

[Sienasummerrreads]

After growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of a famous rockstar, Cassy caught the eye of a dangerous obsession that would haunt her for years. Now, over a decade later, that person is set to be released, and she needs a bodyguard. That’s when Black Hawke Security is hired for the job. Joshua Hawk isn’t part of the bodyguarding department, but something about Cassy compels him to take on the role. Can he protect her?

This book was good but ultimately fell flat for me. Keeping in mind that it’s a free book currently available, I felt the characters fell for each other too quickly, with little buildup or tension. I don’t think I’ll remember these characters, as they didn’t stand out. The main plot centered around being protected from the stalker, which was interesting. I did enjoy the chapters from the stalker’s unhinged perspective, though be mindful that they can be graphic. Overall, it was a decent read but didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 282
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Black Hawke Security Series
Tropes or Themes: Military (Navy), Bodyguard, Forced Proximity, Mutual Pining, Panic Attack, Stalking, Protective MMC, Possessive MMC, Flashbacks, Vomit, Necrophilia, Sexual Assault, Violence, Murder, Cursing, Medical Content, Alcohol, Sexual Content and Dirty Talk.
Mentions: Death Of Parent and Cancer
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[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seal is a strong start to what is sure to be a spicy and suspense-filled series. I loved the glimpses into characters who will later be the heroes in their own books.
Josh and Cassy's instant connection makes for just the right kind of angst I love to read about. He knows he wants her, she knows she wants him, but it's his job to protect her and events from both of their pasts make them feel it's a bad idea.
When I tell you their spice is NEXT level I mean it, Josh definitely knows what he's doing and I love how he is with Cassy. This Seal sure knows how to make a girl swoon. If you love your military romance just a little on the dark side with one of Juliette N Banks amazing HEAs you will not be disappointed in this exciting new series!

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️ para esta historia bastante típica; una pareja con mucha chispa pero que al pasar todo en unos días lo hace bastante inverosímil, pasando de la atracción/ sexo al amor muy precipitadamente...

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have achieved my reading goal but do not feel the sense of accomplishment that I should. I was supposed to finish on a high with high-bow Pride and Prejudice yet here we are. This was a truly awful book but was a very good quick pre-exam very easy, very very trashy read. I mean, who wouldn’t want a navy SEAL? Here’s to next year being the year I grow up and read proper books!

[Bona Caballero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suspense... ¿erótico? Sí, más erótico que romántico. Contado en primera persona ¿dual? No, trial o «triádico», si es que existe semejante palabro, porque los que hablan en primera persona no son solo los protagonistas, sino también el malo de la película.
El tipo que secuestró a Cassy Cartwright (26) hace once años acaba de escaparse de la cárcel. No hay duda de que va a ir a por ella. La protegerá Josh Hawke (36), dueño de una empresa de seguridad. Lo de Cassy & Josh es lust a primera vista: es cosa de conocerse y todo se vuelven turgencias y humedades. Es la parte más lograda de la novela, lo sexual.
Por lo demás, el único misterio o suspense es saber cuándo el malo alcanzará a Cassy.
Como suspense no vale gran cosa. Que me pongan primera persona dual en este subgénero me parece ya lo más tonto del mundo.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.

[Carly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not a fan of the wealthy chicklet in need of rescuing, although I do enjoy a well-written bodyguard romance trope. Neither am I particularly fond of first-person point of view (POV) because too many writers are in too much of a hurry to realize how strange some of their first-person observations sound.

Our so-called hero is wealthy (of course), handsome (of course), a former SEAL (naturally) who is partners in a security firm. He is a one-and-totally-done kinda guy who has sex with ‘em once and leaves them for good when he’s done. Tragedy (of course) has set him on the no-love-for-me path that puts him on track towards the wealthy (of course), beautiful (of course) daughter of a wildly popular rock star. Both of them lust all over each other at first sight.

Our hero, Josh Hawke, and heroine, Cassy Cartwright, are so in lust, they are blind to everything else around them. It’s immediate lust and we know—as we read—that it will be only a matter of time before the two are sexing it up. Sure enough. They jump each other.

There are many disconnects in this book, one of the most egregious is just how much our hero sounds like the psycho-sociopathic stalker who is after our heroine. It’s creepiness amped up on steroids, so chilling that if this were a horror story, it would be successful. The hero bodyguard is the same type as the stalker, and even his thoughts parallel the stalker’s.

The stalker, Isaac Miller, has captured Cassy before, been abusive and treats her like a thing he owns and controls. He is forceful, angry, sexually obsessed with Cassy. Our hero, Josh, is abusive with his rough sex where he grabs Cassy’s throat and orders her to obey him, treating her like a thing he is in control of. He is sexually obsessed with her. The stalker and the bodyguard are so close in behavior that it is unreal…and chilling.

Both the hero and the stalker think, “Trust me,” a phrase that signals how much we ought not to trust either of them.

Our brilliant hero and his men vastly underestimate Isaac Miller. That’s odd. The writer beats us over the head with how powerful and capable, proficient and accomplished the Black Hawke men are, but they are too easily surprised by the villain and a couple of punk kids who know how to turn out some lights. That’s patently unbelievable.

There are additional disconnects and errors in the book:
 In chapter 1, Josh is thinking about why he doesn’t have a twenty- or thirty-something woman managing his office: “All of them [his men] would want to fu** her. Or just would.” Then, in chapter 3, he thinks, “We are not some run-of-the-mill security company where our team can’t keep their coc*s in their pants.” Hmmm. Sounds a lot like they can’t keep it in their pants. What kind of disciplined, former military men work at Black Hawke Security? One wonders…
 Josh thinks about/admires his tribal tattoos. I have a problem with this – and this is a personal foible. I don’t like tribal tattoos decorating non-tribal folk. Doesn’t seem right. True tribal tattoos have purpose and are frequently earned by the members of a tribe. From what we can glean of Josh’s background, he isn’t tribal.
 A verb is made to be possessive (oops): Cassy thinks, “Look’s good.” Within context, she seems to mean that a customer’s hair looks good.
 There’s an oddly worded comment from Cassy regarding the media in her life as the daughter of a rock star: “…but now the media has ousted my life it’s a moot point.” While the media could have forced something to have been ousted from her life, it’s probably not directly ousting her life.
 There is an unintentionally funny comment made by Josh regarding Cassy: “…her perfectly plump C-cups, which I want to expose by ripping open her dress while those big green eyes plead for my mouth. But it’s not just her lithe body.” Good grief. Yes, it is. All we’ve been reading about is her body, and what he wants to do to it. It's all about her lithe body.
 He goes on to explain that rather than her lithe body, it’s “the vulnerability and fear in her eyes…” This doesn’t make her unique or give him a reason to fall in lust. It makes her a victim, which she was.
 Josh goes on and on and on and on about how Cassy is “pushing me to my limit” and how he can’t keep his mind off what he wants to do to her body. As a security professional, he should have taken himself off the case. This silly behavior repeats itself endlessly in the book. He shows himself to be nothing more than another horny hero.
 Another observation from Josh is enormously inappropriate: “Seriously, I was today years old when I learned that women would forget any threat to their life…if the man is hot and ripped enough.” WHAT…?!!? What sort of misogynist is this hero of ours? So…he believes that if a man is hot and ripped, then a woman will forget her life is threatened? I’m speechless, this is so out of place coming from a hero. And…what does “I was today years old” mean?
 Cassy is thinking: “…it’s hard for me to trust men after what happened.” That’s what she says, but her actions—falling all over Josh—show those thoughts to be a lie. She trusts him enough to initiate sex.
 The stalker is on his way to find Cassy and left a message on a living room mirror: “See you soon Cassy baby,” about which our hero thinks, “It can’t be a coincidence.” Ding! Ding! Ding! Our hero wins the “No kidding, Sherlock” award.
 Our hero talks about dialing a number on a phone. He’s in his thirties, born in late 1980s or early 1990s. Did they even have dial phones by the time he started using phones? Just wondering…
 Cassy has a habit of clicking her teeth together when stressed. This has happened twice in front of Josh who says, “Anyone tell you how annoying that is?” He has an exceptionally low annoyance threshold.
 All characters break the fourth wall in the story and talk directly to the reader. It’s disruptive in the flow of the story and needless.
 Our hero and heroine have sex without a condom. No discussion. No consideration. He just slams into her. No finesse. He’s sexually active in the extreme but doesn’t appear to wear condoms. Nothing says love like passing along an STD.
 Cassy tells herself “I feel like this chemistry between us is more than just lust.” Why? All we’ve read about is lust and sex, followed by more lusting and a lot more sex.
 Josh is oblivious to his own biases. In chapter 20, he says, “All I ever wanted to do was defend my country. Growing up, I was always the cowboy, not the Indian.” Seems he forgot—or never considered—that the Indian was defending his country…from the encroaching cowboy.
 At one point, in chapter 24, Cassy says of the sex with Josh, “It’s not love.” She’s right. It isn’t.
 The men from Black Hawke Security are referenced as “the three-armed BHS men.” Huh? The men have three arms? I think the writer means, “the three armed BHS men.” There are three men, not men with three arms.
 Even in chapter 34, Josh is still talking like the stalker. The stalker is out to marry Cassy, not asking – telling. Josh says to her, “I’m warning you, Cassy Cartwright, I am going to marry you.” Josh and Isaac (the stalker) parallel each other often. If a stalker hadn’t said these words, then it might have come off as macho (although still too controlling), but with the stalker’s involvement, it’s creepy.

In the end, there’s an HEA and the two main characters are in love, telling each other so every few paragraphs. Ugh. It’s a giant leap from lust to love, and we aren’t shown—or even told—how Josh and Cassy got to love from all their sexcapades. It’s an unsatisfactory ending, but it fits with the way the story has gone.

I rated this book 1.5 stars and rounded down. What there was of a plot was predictable, and the reader knows precisely where it’s going by the second chapter. The sex is prurient and unnecessary much of the time. Instead of a plot we get cheesy scenes of rough sex and crass language. Dirty talk is Josh’s forte, and it gets old fast. Instead of discussion, we get sex. Instead of opportunities for the main characters to get to know each other, we get sex. Instead of feelings, we get sex. Instead of characters that are three-dimensional and likeable, we get sex. Sex should never be ho-hum, yet here we are. I read the first chapter of the next book in this series, offered at the end of this book. It’s the same plot as this one. Hero guards the body of someone who is rich, famous, wealthy, and beautiful. I’d bet dollars to doughnuts that it’s insta-lust with plenty of sex without allowing the characters to be alive in three dimensions. That makes it a solid “no” to any more books in this series.

[Big Sho ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I only stopped reading to sleep, it had the right amount of spice, the yearning, look at her and die MMC. Loved it!!!

[Angie Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read , enjoyed the struggles of this book . New group of chap to learn about . The history of the group is fascinating and looking forward to reading the other books

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ for holiday vibes rather than quality

[Kim Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have no idea how patient and excited I’ve been anticipating this series to kick off staying in the Dufort world and everyone around them. I’ve known about Black Hawke Security since the beginning of the Dufort series and this is a great start to this series to step away from that world but still be in it at the same time. I’ve loved this world from the beginning and I’m happy to see Juliette still exploring it but yet starting something brand new at the same time. I was never a huge fan of military romances but for whatever reason, this one covers it in such a way that I feel like I’m a part of it without getting too engrossed in it. It’s big part of what makes Black Hawke Security the way it is but I loved the aspect that the men we will be introduced to are wealthy. As you know, wealth is my weakness, I love anything that features it. What that says about me, I don’t know. Regardless, I found myself engrossed with Josh and Cassy. It was nice to see a man who literally expresses zero emotion and is not meant to show weakness fall under her spell and wants to move mountains for her. To meet this tough, cold man and have his emotions get brought out made this story so exciting. You felt the way he fought them throughout this whole book, his actions getting led by what tragically happens to his twin brother affect him and the way he approaches life and love. When someone gets under his skin, you really felt it up until the point where it exploded once he and Cassy become intimate. You feel it in the way he talks to her and the way he shows her but had a hard time expressing his thoughts as he would immediately get cold again when he didn’t know how to handle his emotions after not showing them for so long. Cassy’s situation with her stalker triggered a lot of anxiety and thoughts for me. I’ve never had one before but it just goes to show that you don’t know what can trigger people these days. It proves that we need to be more careful than ever when we do something or an action that someone else takes ends up being completely different. We can argue relentlessly on what Cassy should have done differently, but the bottom line is you don’t know people and that is the scariest part of all. I definitely think this deserves a 5 for the content and what Cassy went through, as well as the explosive emotions conveyed and the battle that came with them. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite frankly, Juliette N. Banks, a new-to-me author, had me at "SEAL." And what a SEAL Josh Hawke is--the ultimate alpha hero--former SEAL, protective, handsome, built, and sexy as all get-out. He's not thrilled with his next job, guarding Cassy Cartwright, smart-mouthed daughter of 70's era rockstar, Blaze Cartwright, that is until he sets eyes on her. Blaze's rock band, Sonic Rebel, has just gotten together and released a new album, which starts the ball rolling in this addictive novel. I was hooked from the very first page, and this novel is most definitely a 5-star read.

The reason Cassy Cartwright needs guarding is where the triggers in this novel begin, and there are quite a few of them. Years earlier, Cassy had a deranged stalker, Isaac, and before being rescued, she was abducted and imprisoned by him, bound, sexually assaulted and tortured, and, when caught, Isaac was sentenced to a long term in prison, but a life sentence would have suited Cassy just fine--sadly that's not what he got. He's just managed to escape, and he still believes Cassy wants him, loves him, has been waiting for him, and that she will be eager to marry him as soon as he finds her.

As soon as Blaze hears that Isaac is on the loose, Cassy's father doesn't care how much he has to pay to hire highly-regarded Black Hawke Security to protect her--they have a sterling reputation as among the best in the business. Although it's out of character for Josh, half-owner of the firm, to take on bodyguard duty, when he sets eyes on Cassy, he's happy to take on that role, because he wants a lot more than to just be her bodyguard, although he doesn't believe in relationships. His reasons for that (no, I'm not giving any spoilers) are in many ways justified, at least in his mind, but he can't resist Cassy. More triggers to come, inluding the death of a spouse and child, suicide, steamy, on-screen, rough sex, and violence. However, if you can get past the triggers, this is one tense, sexy, action-packed read, with well-developed characters, twists and turns, and I found it utterly impossible to put this novel down, and my guess is that neither will you.

I love getting in at the beginning of a series, especially one as exciting and sexy as this one, and with all the hunky operatives we meet in this novel, I am eagerly looking forward to Ms. Banks' next novels in this unputdownable series.

[Taylor Seiverd · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this in one sitting.

fun, face paced, spicy & had some action.

i liked that we were able to see the stalkers point of view throughout. those chapters were hella fucked up & really filled my thriller/horror side.

Josh on the exterior was moody, gruff & rough around the edges but a big softy on the inside. our fmc, cassy, i actually liked. sometimes i have a hard time enjoying books if the fmc is super annoying or just dumb in their choices. i don’t think any of her choices were dumb or that she was annoying. i think she got attached fast but it was a short book. so i won’t contribute that to the rating.

i have a hard time giving over 3 stars to anything that isn’t fantasy or horror. but i did really like this.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all! This SEAL met his match and fell hard while protecting her with his life! First book by this author for me but won’t be my last!!!

[Nancy Malvoni · Rating 1 out of 5]

This to me read like a really bad hallmark movie or soap opera. The relationship is insta lust, and it continues to be that until the end, even though the main characters "fall in love" and get married. How?? When?? Did I miss something??

It doesn't make sense. They knew each other for all of 2.5 seconds. And somehow they fell in love.

WTF???????

Again how when all I was reading was how physically attractive they were to each other and how they found each other hot and were always horny for one another. It was a purely physical relationship based on orgasms. The relationship did not grow to be something else or more. I was really annoyed. And the spice was not spicing for me.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t say I wasn’t warned—the book overview clearly stated this was a steamy romance with spice. But wow. My eyes were reading Tien Tsin chile pepper-level steamy!

The hero, Josh Hawke, is a decorated SEAL who openly admits to being arrogant, cold, and dangerous. He’s well aware of his eight-pack abs, which he maintains through regular workouts in the private gym at his Black Hawk Security (BHS) headquarters. Josh, along with his elite team of paramilitary experts, runs BHS, a company that provides high-stakes security services.

The chemistry between Josh and the heroine, Cassy, is immediate and intense. It’s easy to see why Cassy was taken in by his Alpha presence, good looks, and wealth—complete with his Maserati SUV and expensive clothes. Josh, in turn, was hooked from the moment he laid eyes on Cassy. Her photo captivated him, but in person, she was even more stunning. When their eyes locked, he was hypnotized by her green eyes.

Cassy is independent, successful, and strong-willed. But even she can’t resist Josh’s charm—especially when he becomes the one person who can truly protect her.

And she needs protection. Years ago, Cassy was stalked and kidnapped by a dangerous man named Isaac, who’s now escaped prison. Her father wisely hires BHS to keep her safe. The suspense element in this story kept me on edge—every twist had me rooting for everyone’s safety. I felt a sense of relief when Josh was near, just like Cassy did.

The supporting cast is well developed and adds richness to the story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Josh’s crew at BHS—they’re the kind of characters I hope to see again in future books. Cassy’s world also feels real and grounded, especially through her connections at her salon. Her co-workers and clients added humor and warmth that balanced out the intensity of the action scenes.

One thing to note: there’s a fair amount of profanity, which I’m no stranger to myself. Sometimes a well-placed F-bomb gets the point across. However, I personally found the use of strong language in the sex scenes off-putting—it just didn’t feel romantic to me. That said, the scenes were easy to skim past and didn’t detract from the gripping suspense and solid plot.

Overall, The Seal was a fast-paced, action-packed, and thoroughly entertaining read. If you enjoy romantic suspense with high heat and high stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s sworn to protect, and never love again, but will she be the one to breach his walls?

My name is Josh Hawke, decorated SEAL and founder of Black Hawke Security. Some might call me arrogant. Women call me cold. Those who truly know me call me dangerous.
I’m all those things.

My priority is my elite team of former special ops who fulfill our contracts with governments and some of the most powerful people in the world. When a famous rockstar hires us to protect his daughter, it’s just another job. Until I meet Cassy Cartwright and her intense green eyes send a bolt of chemistry through me.

She’s as infuriated as I am by it.

The last thing I want is private security intruding on my quiet, hard-fought-for life. Even if he is six foot four and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.

Not interested.

Josh is going to distract all the clients in my hair salon and… protect me from the stalker who is out of prison and looking for me again thanks to my rock star father's comeback hit. But that’s all I want from him.

A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Josh and Cassy, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. The sexual tension starts from the moment they meet and only gets stronger - it is HOT 🥵 🥵 Josh is an ex NAVY Seal that is use to controlling his emotions, but around Cassy …… will he let the barrier come down and let her into his heart?

To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down - I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the series and a standalone story. If you enjoy a quick timeline, good characters, alpha males, strong females and a predictable plot you will enjoy this read. This is Josh and Cassy’s story.

Josh Hawke owns Black Hawke Security with his best friend Aiden Black. He is a former Navy SEAL and their company employs all former military. He is hired by a rock star to provide protection for his daughter Cassy. Her stalker escaped prison and is now on the run and they know he is coming for her. Josh has a department that provides personal security, but once he meets Cassy he knows he is taking the job himself.

Cassy is the daughter of a rock star . She has lived her adult life out of the limelight until recently when her father decided to come out of retirement. After a nightmare happened to her when she was a teenager, she decided she wanted no part of fame. She reinvented herself, changed her last name and built a successful business and life for herself. Now she needs protection and the man her father hired could be just as dangerous as the mad man coming after her.

Was this story was predictable? Yes, but that didn’t take away from the overall experience. Josh and Cassy were so good. Their timeline was unrealistic, but we read these stories because of that. There was an instant attraction for sure and they resisted each other for longer than I thought they would. Once they gave in it was on from there. Josh had his reasons for not wanting to fall in love and it made total sense why he fought his feelings for her. Cassy’s was obvious with her crazy stalker.

This story gives you good alpha males, good female characters, an intriguing storyline, a fast paced story, great sexy time and a good ending. Overall I enjoyed it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The SEAL is the first book in the Black Hawke Security series by Juliette N. Banks. Josh Hawke is a decorated SEAL and co-founder of Black Hawke Security, an elite team of former special ops who offer protection. When Blaze Cartwright, a famous rockstar, hires him to protect his daughter, Josh thinks it’s just another job. What he doesn’t count on is Cassy Cartwright and the instant attraction between them. The last thing he wants is to mix business with pleasure. Cassy isn’t happy that the quiet life she has fought for is being interrupted with private security; but when a stalker escapes from prison and makes it known that he is on his way to her, she can’t deny it anymore. Vowing to never love again, Josh focuses on protecting his clients. What will he do when Cassy begins to breach his walls?
I love stories about the military and former military. The Black Hawke Security series is a steamy private security romance with lots of spice and suspense. I was enjoying The SEAL as Josh is a tough, intimidating former SEAL and Cassy is a sassy woman who won’t be a shrinking flower. The problem was the spicy scenes. I can enjoy and even tolerate certain levels of spiciness. However, the level of spiciness in this story was too much for me. I think it got too spicy too quickly. There was no build up, no learning curve. It went full throttle right off the bat. Overall, I enjoyed the story but felt the spiciness was too much for me. I am unsure if I will continue with the series. However, if you enjoy steamy romance with lots and lots of spice and suspense, I recommend The SEAL.

The SEAL is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[Sam J · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what this book was, and having already read The Dark Kings of NYC series by the same author so having appropriate expectations - I feel like it was an enjoyable read.

The pros for me were the character dynamics between the FMC & MMC was cute with lots of need and spice. Loved the relationship between FMC and her friends as well. I also enjoyed the POV chapters from the “villain” because they provided a bit of a darker vibe and thriller aspect. Most the dudes in this also were seemingly masculine hotties so that’s always a plus 😂

Where it lost points for me was the timeline imo was way too short to make this seem believable. The entire book took place within a week or maybe a bit short of it and I think it would have been more believable if it was lengthened out to a longer timeline of events. I also started this coming right off the Twisted series by Ana Haung and also recently read the Dark Kings of NYC series (which I preferred because I love me some mafia romance) so after allll that dark romance this kinda felt lack lustre for me in comparison and felt like it just repeated a lot of the same ideas/ plotlines. Lastly, the typos in Juliette’s books drive me low key bonkers LOL

If you’re looking for something fun and easy with spice and loaded FMC & MMC tension this is for you but don’t have crazy high expectations - this is for you!

[Kayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wait, I was so surprised by how good this was. I got it as part of one of those stuff for Kindle days, which is filled with truly horrific books, so I had low expectations for this. However, I actually thought it was decent! Let me be clear, though, the writing was not good, but the plot was OK. There was a lot of jumping back-and-forth between past conversations and the present and half the time I didn’t know what’s going on. The bar is truly so low.

Also, these men are supposed to be like the best security/most dangerous men on the planet during what is literally known to be a kidnapping attempt and you let her leave the room by herself? What the fuck are we doing here. I also will never understand when the MWC has an active stalker/attacker who is essentially hunting her down, and she’s like UGH BUT I HAVE TO GO TO THE AWARDS SHOW!! I’m sorry you’re telling me I have an excuse to skip work and all responsibilities and instead can hang out with my hot body guard in my house all day long? Yes please. And on top of that I won’t get kidnapped? Fabulous. Also like 4 hours after she gets kidnapped and assaulted, due to her dad, he’s like oh I have a radio interview I have to go to but I can stay if you want? What tf is wrong with you dude you’re an old man can you chill out.

[whisperedsigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book a while now thanks for it being free. Due to power outage today that is more than 12 hours i got the chance to read it from start to finish. At first the writing feels familiar or at par with the writing of those authors I enjoyed before and i also like the premise of the story it started so well. Well like any spicy books i read lately, i hate it when it was all about his lust about her, how he talks about her body in his chapters it wasn’t something ideal tbh. After i read alot of romance books that is what i started to hate the most now and this book has objectifying her to the miniscule details too hence the one less star. It diminishes the charm of the book for me cause honestly if it is only marketed as erotic then i’m good with that in the book but since i has this for so long in my library idk the storyline or summary. But other than that, the not romantic side of the plot progressed well and i love the bff of the fmc too along with two best mans as well this made me think i could pickup the next book in the series. I love how the author plotted the highlight in the event and even tho i did not like parts of where he’s always the problem in his way of thinking, his fears etc, i could still take it and give this a four stars.

[Tisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh Black and Cassy Cartwright

Josh Back Co founder of Black-Hawke Security & former Navy Seal deals w/ black Ops Mission & corporate sabotage investigation for living. His team does not deal with starlets, celebrity security or bodyguard issues. Ryder Hawke has just gotten a call from a 70's Rockstar Blaze Cartwright regarding his daughter Casey Cartwright regarding her escaped convicted stalker. He needs Black-Hawke services for her safety.
Cassy Cartwright famous Salon owner has just been informed of her former stalker; who was convicted for 25 years for kidnapping & assault has just escaped. She knows he is coming for her. She doesn't want a secure team let alone bodyguards. Josh and Cassy have chemistry from the beginning. However, Josh does not believe in love due to his job and dangers it could cause the ones he loves. He knows that from the loss of his twin. Can Josh, protect Cassy while being in love with her from this psychopath stalker? Read their steamy romance!

[Susanne M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐✨ No Regrets

In life, if you do your best, you really should have no regrets. Cassey is a victim of a stalker at eighteen and then has a repeat performance from the same stalker ten years later. She needs protection ASAP! Josh is a retired Navy Seal and presently is part owner of a security company. He's gorgeous! Rugged, a protector, and comes across grumpy or cold, which he's neither. He's in his own protective mode emotionally. Josh takes the protection detail for Cassy and there the journey begins. Stalking, PTSD, Anxiety, and Survivors guilt are all touched on in this moving story. It has well rounded characters and storyline with no cheating or cliffhanger. There were a few glitches in proofreading and way too many profanities using Jesus or God which I personally have an issue with. For this reason I couldn't give the extra star. You do get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓

[Megan Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seal. (Black Hawke Security #1)

'Hearts are not good decision makers. More people should learn that & save themselves a lot of pain.'

This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Cassy is the daughter of a rock star who attracted the attention of a disturbed journalist turned stalker. She thought she was rid of him and living her new life under the radar until her stalker escaped prison. Now, she needs protection. In steps her new bodyguard. Highly skilled and completely guarded. Can they move past their own traumas to begin again ?

Once I got into this storyline, I was hooked. I needed to know what happened next! #herefortheplot I enjoyed all the characters and I hope I get to keep up with all of them in the rest of the series.

Recommended If You Love:
▪︎ Forced proximity
▪︎ Instant chemistry
▪︎ Hero / damsel in distress

Genre: Romance Thriller
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶
Series or Stand Alone: Series, book 1

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t really my style, which is why I rated it 2/5 ⭐️. There were some intriguing moments, though. I usually love the military references, but it felt odd that the BHS still acted as if they were currently in the military. When Josh introduced himself as “US Navy SEAL,” I couldn’t help but laugh; think it would’ve been better if he said his current title and then added “former Navy SEAL.”

What threw me off even more was how quickly he became protective and “in love” before even really knowing Cassy. Given his history, it would’ve been more believable if their connection developed naturally through interactions. Honestly, I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes at certain statements, and some of the comments were just really cringey.😣

On a positive note, I did enjoy the spice, I’m always content with a happy ending, and it’s pretty cool that all the books tie together.

[Maribel Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh & Cassy are fire together.

I liked this book & couldn’t put it down. Josh is a Navy Seal and Cassy’s father asked him to protect her. She’s in danger because a stalker that escaped jail recently. Josh liked Cassy & their chemistry is off the charts but he doesn’t want to fall for her because of a tragic event in his past. Cassy liked Josh since she met him, he’s gorgeous, dominant & dangerous. But she understands that he can’t be more than her protector. Still the more she knows him, the more she wants him. I enjoyed this book because of Josh, he’s hurt emotionally and you get attached to him & his struggle to fight his feelings. Cassy has gone through a trauma but she’s resilient and she loves Josh as he is. It was fun to see them come together.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this author and book just by accident. As I downloaded Google Play Books - and downloaded The Seal as one of the free titles.

And let me tell you aside from some of the negative themes throughout this book. TRIGGER WARNING - SA/murder Stalking/Kidnapping. Juliette N. Banks did NOT disappoint. One of my fast rising authors.

I've never been more engrossed with a story. I only put it down to sleep. The characters were great I loved Cassy and Josh.

I loved Cassy and Scarlet's friendship, we all need a friendship like Cassy and Scarlet's.

So if the next titles in the Black Hawke Security series are anything like The Seal - I honestly can't wait to get started.

I 100% recommend if smutty Military action drama is your genre.

My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Factor
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️